"God bless you, you smell good!"

My perfume smells good to others, apparently, as several people in recent days remarked about it. I wear “Obsession”, by Calvin Klein, and have done so since 2000 when I discovered it when on a cruise in the Mediterranean with my former spouse. The gift shop on the ship offered samples. I loved the spiciness of it, light and not at all flowery. Yes, it is slightly more expensive than most pay, but a little bit goes a long way. I was in the elevator once with a policeman who had dropped off paperwork of Travis, my neighbor, who is a public servant. The policeman was in already when he stopped for me on my floor and after a second, he said to me, “God bless you, you smell good!”

When I was leaving the other day, I rode down in the elevator with Travis and he complimented me, saying I smelled nice. Well, thank you, Travis! When I got outside and passed Connie on the walkway, she said, “Boy, you smell good today!” I thanked her as well but then replied it was the same scent I wear every day. I don’t think I over did it at all, as I like to use it sparingly to make it last. Usually, though, I don’t go immediately from shower, to being dressed, to being out the door which is how my day was on Friday.

Monday I watched half of the Packer/Viking game with my neighbor and he asked me, “Is that Shalimar?” I said, “Is who Shalimar?” since I thought he was talking about football! No, it was a perfume, but he said mine was nice, light. Thank you again. I had not reapplied any since getting ready for the day and this was nearly 12 hours later.

Today again someone said to me that I always smell so good and I thanked them for the compliment. And Judy A. said that people from the Midwest have a hard time taking a compliment. Well, I accept!

A week of ThanksLiving and ThanksLoving!!!

I used that expression, ThanksLiving, when talking about it with my upstairs neighbor, Randy, and he attempted to correct me. He is a student of history and wanted to defend the celebration of Thanksgiving in our nation. In my own defense, I explained the reason why I like ‘my’ term better, to live a life in thanks every day rather than one day a year. It takes nothing away from the historical first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians, but carries out the giving thanks for daily use and appreciation. Yesterday, I had much to celebrate for ThanksLiving:

My sister, Kerry, going through some tough times following her spouse’s heart surgery, was blessed with a bounty of meat and fish. Her friend from work was cleaning out her freezer and brought the meat for Kerry to take home. She has to cook ‘heart healthy’ for her spouse, which is costly enough, but Kerry can eat whatever she wishes, and will, now that her freezer is filled!

My niece, Lisa, reported that between her two churches, the one where they are members and the one where the boys attend school, have put them on an Angel of Hope list again this year. Being on this list allows them some extra blessings from the community, if I remember correctly. Last year they also received a gift of diapers, right after Angelo was born, as one of the church members works for a paper company which manufactures them. The diapers came in large plastic bags, if memory serves, and Lisa was so happy to have them.

My longtime friend reported her husband had recently found a new job after his plant was closing in their hometown. She had been stressing, spent sleepless nights spent reciting memorized hymns of trust to rock herself to sleep. Monday I was telling the folks at Bible study how my little nephews were memorizing the first stanza of “Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” as their memory treasure at school, and what a treasure it is! My friend was making use of those same hymns learned in grade school and high school as her comfort and prayers. A friend from their church was able to connect her hubby with a job, doing similar work to what he has been doing all these years.

Now that the prayers are answered in the affirmative, she is irritated with herself for not having more trust. I think we all do this, and in my case, the First Commandment violation is primary. Knowing better doesn’t seem to change the reaction, thinking the solution or the relief from a problem is from or through ourselves. She apologized for not letting me know sooner that they had problems but said she could not discuss it without breaking down in tears. Yes, I am familiar….I told her how I imagine the Lord thinking:“Tsk, tsk, tsk…Don’t you remember I promised to be with you to the very end of the age?” I should and would pray,“Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” Her reaction after this blessing is to be a blessing to others, as their cup now runneth over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”

We make our own trouble sometimes

Really? Do you think so? I am yet a bit tremulous after making the travel arrangements for Justin and me in December. He was unsure of what his work schedule would be and in order for me to go ahead with the reservations, had to make a decision. Hopefully he will not miss a day of work with William, but it might work that the lawn jobs are scheduled around Justin’s traveling!

When I let Mom know our dates, she was glad to know he would be there as long as he is planning to be. Last year in spring was the last time Justin was there, for Alayna’s graduation. His time was cut short when his future step-mother flew him home for Father’s Day. This visit will be longer and more activity-packed, including, I hope, a stop at the Green Street Tavern for perch on our way from the airport!

What made me nervous was the actual reservation process, using my flight voucher (it worked!) to help defray some of the cost of his ticket. Since his travel is during one of the busiest travel times of the year, his fare is more than my longer stay fare. Once a person hits the ‘Purchase’ button, it’s a done deal, and too expensive to mess up. My confidence was weak this morning but now, it is taken care of, in keeping with Justin’s requirements.

Since speaking with him this morning, he has called me again and talked all the way to Ponte Vedra where he was going to do some site prep work for a house being built there. It’s a long ride from Fleming Island, that is for sure! He was telling me about a sale at Old Navy with a discount today only (hint hint) and about his upcoming trip to NYC. He is being treated to a Packer/Giants game as someone in his step-mother’s family works for the Giants’ team and gave them tickets. Justin’s role is supposedly to be the tour guide as he knows his way around The City.

He told me how he reported enjoying the more laid-back visits we had done but also is looking forward to the hurried schedule they will have (5 in the party) once they arrive. The other day he sent me an excited text message reporting a Duane Reade drugstore right in the hotel!!! We usually hit the closest drugstore or bodega for soda when we are there, and to have it right in the hotel is great! And dirty water hot dog stand out front as well, nothing better!

He arrives in NYC on Friday afternoon and returns to JAX on Monday, hopefully arriving in time to make it to the Jaguar game that night. I offered to pick him up from the airport but he said, “You wouldn’t want to take me downtown to the Jaguar stadium…” Nope, he needs his buddies for that! Plus, that night I am hosting the Ladies’ Group CHRISTmas party here which means I would have no time for airport runs that day. I am sure a certain amount of angst had to go into that trip planning as well. But how exciting to see the Packers play!

I can see more clearly now…

Not entirely clear yet but the heaviest of the fog has lifted and boats are visible on the water. The helicopters did not seem to mind the fog at all, as I could hear them before I could see them from my windows.

There are ducks floating on the water and yesterday I saw a flock of geese arrowing their way across the skies. Lots of wildlife around lately including pets galore in the building. Our newer tenants all have pets, mainly dogs, so that is a good way to get to know each other, finding them out walking their dogs. Hugh, my neighbor, made that remark last night at the Board meeting, that everyone should have a dog!

I am catching up on my Internet program, today's airing from Nashville and is airing from a restaurant/bar across from where the CMA show will take place. The building viewed out the window is purple with darker purple trim, and makes me want to go to Nashville some day! I think the name painted on the side is called “Tootsies”. I saw Hank Williams Jr., a guy named Brooks, and Art Laffer, an economist, so far. Quite an eclectic mix, with more to come! Now speaking is a man who is of Jewish heritage and now a Christian, discussing the situation of what is going on Israel and the region. Very interesting!

The mail again brought several catalogs which are driving me wild. In the past I would have shopped like a mad woman, as I see items perfect for people in my family, or for my friends. That party is over, but I still want to play! The conversation I have had with friends in recent weeks revolves around reaching a tipping point in our lives. We, they, seem to be stopping or slowing our "taking in" process, and are seeking more to empty out. This happened when folks were getting ready for their church yard sales and began the rooting out process in their homes. Finding stuff you had not seen or used in years, hanging on to for no apparent reason, now becomes someone else’s stuff to hang on to.

My friend, Gretchen, has been at that point for some time, as she is very close to Mom’s age. Every now and again she gives me a present from her storehouse of memories. And always with a special thought attached to it. When someone gives her something, she has to check herself from saying, “I am trying to get rid of stuff…” but she usually knows someone who will enjoy what she received, someday! Gretchen is a regifter!

There is a little contest going on regarding “Seinfeld” on Facebook, featuring episodes which dealt with gifting or regifting. While I do not watch the episodes at the time, the tease will reference the item being focused upon, such as the sweater with the red dot on it; the label maker (first time “regifter” was mentioned in the show); a bobka; the marble rye; the leather recliner; and a big screen TV. At least one of the group was a reluctant participant in contributing or taking a gift (“Someone moves and now we have to buy a gift???”). It’s society, George, that’s the way it is!

Gabe's birthday today

Today is my great-nephew's, Gabriel Adam Timothy, eighth birthday. Lisa had been at our house in Florida the summer before his birth where we hosted a baby shower for her. Over the years she had become quite friendly with many on our staff so they were glad to help celebrate her first baby.

Gabe's bedroom theme was Noah's Ark, as his daddy's name is Noah. It was fun to shop for him, and even more fun for Lisa and Lynn to tote all the presents home with them!

I love Gabe like nuts!

Thinking of Florence again

This morning is not nearly as nippy as yesterday’s was, presently 44 above zero just after dawn. My friend, Jennifer, has become a den mother and was camping overnight with her little scouts. Oh, I can hardly imagine anything less enjoyable than sleeping outside or not in the comfort of one’s home on such a cold night.

In watching the news this a.m. I realized that “oops!”, I missed a debate last night. How did that happen? Usually I am on top of these things and really would have liked to have seen this one, based on foreign policy questions. Last week’s was about the economy and folks are discussing that debate even yet.

Before I forget, I have to report my delicious dinner from last night. When at Longhorn with Martie for dinner Thursday, I ordered the smaller cut rib-eye with a sweet potato. About half of each item came home with me for another meal. I had the brainstorm to reheat those leftovers plus a potato baked last weekend in the oven. In my stone baking pan (Pampered Chef product) after putting some olive oil in the bottom, I laid the steak and opened the potatoes. The oven was set for less than 300 degrees and I covered the dish with foil, reheating for about an hour. Perfection!! The meat was tender and needed no steak knife to cut it. When the microwave reheats it, the meat is tougher and loses some of its flavor, it seems. This other way of reheating was just dandy and warmed the house a little bit at the same time!

When Joanne lived with me, her favorite dinner to make, often at 9:30 pm, was to layer raw veggies and fingerling potatoes in a jelly roll pan, bathe them in olive oil and seasoning, and then baking them. Oh my goodness, did that ever smell delicious!?! It would make quite a portion, and while she offered to share, I never accepted. What a meal that made for her!

Monday when I was going to Ladies’ Group, I noticed that Joanne’s car was parked in the same place it had been for several days, appearing to have not moved. Since in the past, it happened that she would end up in the hospital with some strangle malady and not let me know right away. I called and got the answering machine, so I left a message expressing my concern for her and her car. In a few minutes she called back, not yet hearing the message. I told her I was wondering if she was alright, since her car had not moved and she was moved that I cared enough to call. She was in Atlanta visiting her sisters, and was headed to Ohio to spend time with her daughters. She had left the car there in case her daughter, Christine, needed to use it. It did not occur for me to ask why she was down here since Christine lives in Ohio….hmmmm….I need to have an extended conversation with Joanne, not one cut short by Ladies’ Group!

This morning’s e-mail brought an announcement from Amazon informing me of a new book published about Hemingway, letters he had written prior to 1920, I believe. I am half through reading “On Paris” which is a compilation of essays or articles he wrote when living there in the very early 1920’s, after WWI. He tells how cheaply Americans (USA and Canadians) can live there due to the strong dollar, estimating getting by on $1000 a year for a decent existence, as long as they stayed away from the tourist hotels and restaurants. That tickled me as I recall Justin and me sitting at the bistro in Florence, enjoying our $9 Diet Cokes and sharing a treat of strawberries with cream. It cost me $36 but I would not have missed it for the world!

Another reason Florence was on my mind is because Marlena came over yesterday when she was done working at The Club. She is going to do the dusting for me prior to ThanksLiving and my CHRISTmas party for the Ladies’ Group. Her hours have been cut, though that is cutting off one’s nose to spite their face, if you ask me, since she is such a vital employee there. She is quite ambitious and has the best interest of The Club at heart, not like some of the others that work there. If I still was a business owner, I would want a roomful of such people as she!

Anyway, she asked me if I needed any cleaning done and since I am having two events rather close together, I gladly accepted her offer. She came over to size the job, not her first visit here, and again expressed her love for my chandelier. And she really loves the glass flowers and vase that Justin gave me for CHRISTmas that year, too, which he matched to the chandelier. The other day I was admiring the two little amphoras he gave me and he said, “I did all my shopping on e-Bay that year…” It is so great that he knows what will tickle my fancy in that fashion.

Usually he struggles with what to get his father for gifts but Thursday, when Victory was all set up for their yard sale which takes place in the church, he found something right off the bat. Since the items were not yet priced, Judy A. just threw out a price to us, and I paid it. I know it seems odd for me to be buying it, but I know how Justin agonizes over these things otherwise. Having something just right and at a good price, and helping the church, well, it had to be done!

When they were taking in items for the sale, Ed, Judy A.’s hubby, sent me a message via Facebook reporting an “Italianesqe” piece of art someone had donated. He put it on the side for me to look at when there for Bible study. It was perfect and would have gone great in my dining room, but I did not take it. First of all, the size was large and secondly, it very closely mirrored the mural already in the dining room so would have been redundant. I have my own art not yet hung and it didn’t make sense to bring in another piece. It pleased me, though, that he knew what I would like and set it aside for me to view. It was almost like being there, the Italian countryside. For now, my travel will take place through my scrapbooks while sitting in my dining room!

A glorious sunrise

This morning I awoke before the sun did, the first time since day light savings ended. Often I have troubles with the setting forward or backward of the clock hands but this one went far smoother. It was not a bad thing to be awake in time to see the sunrise, not at all!

When I walked out to the kitchen for my soda, it did not feel horribly cold in the rooms but I did notice again that my ceiling fans are running in the river room and family room. They are quite unnecessary, and think I will pull the strings the next time I venture through. No need to waste the electricity, especially since the temps dropped to the low 30’s overnight. I do not usually watch local news but did catch the weather last night on one network, where the meteorologist said the temps were dropping by 25 degrees overnight. (I just pulled my blankets up around me without even thinking about it!)

My doctor appointment went well on Thursday and my scrips have been refilled. My doctor, whose name is House, no kidding, is such a kind man. And a good salesman, as he has convinced me to get a flu shot. The only other flu shot I have had was when I worked at Shady Lane Home when it was mandatory for swine flu, I believe. He is also the man who convinced me to take the cholesterol-lowering medication when he told me he had outlived his father and grandfather, who had both died in their early 60’s from heart disease, and credited Lipitor for extending his life. What endeared him to me was his remark, “If my wife would let me, I would walk through the house eating a stick of butter!”

He also apologized to me for the high cost of medical procedures (i.e. colonoscopies) which he estimated cost me about $1000. I said, “Yes, times 7!” “Oh, my!” When he said I had not had blood work done in a couple years, I pulled out my paperwork from LifeLine Screening, which has been shared with them at the doctor office every time. I told him I get the testing done there because it is cheaper, but he remarked that some info he needed was not tested for.

He was then informed that the last time I went for the full course of blood work the doctor ordered, it cost me over $500 and again he apologized. And asked, “What kind of insurance do you have???” I expressed my dismay about this because that is part of the reason why pricing is so outrageous, when we think cost doesn’t matter if insurance pays for it. He said he knows how much those tests should cost, like $50 or so, and the rest is overhead or otherwise. So, he agreed to only order three tests for my blood in January, bare minimum with the rest of the information coming from LifeLine Screening. And the plus is doing the lab work now in the office again, which I really like. They had done this years ago and was quite convenient.

I complimented his medical assistant, telling him how nice she was and seemed compassionate. He told me there had been another turn-over of staffing recently and I remarked that this seems to happen a lot in this practice. He said he has nothing to do with the staffing, and in fact, he is an employee himself. It does not really affect me since I usually only go twice a year, and would only go once, if I had my way!

Martie and I went to dinner on Thursday evening, meeting at Longhorn in Argyle, my Monday place. We had not seen each other since September, the day of Marian’s memorial service. Much has happened for her since, including going to PA to nurse her sister, June, to health after some respiratory/heart problems requiring hospitalization. While there, her hubby had health problems back home so Martie cut her trip short to get back to Ernie. He is okay now, had to increase a medication he takes. She is working lots lately, being the only employee in the office besides the boss, which why it’s hard for us to get together sometimes. She insists she needs to try harder so I set up a schedule for us, including Dinner and a Movie for next week!

Yesterday began early with the “Meet, Eat, and Play” event at The Club, the fourth time we are doing it. I am in charge of the game, and those who wish to play have breakfast first. This time I had a great breakfast with my favorite person of all---me! No one else showed up to either meet, eat, or play so I was showered with all the attention. I also did not get to play Trivial Pursuit. Instead I came home to do some writing before meeting Betty and Robin C. for lunch. Such a life!

Betty loves Longhorn so once more, my 3^rd time in a week, I enjoyed their menu. Makes for great leftovers for when I eat at home---like today! Betty had a birthday in late October but we ladies had a tough time finding a date we could gather. In fact, we had to go ahead without Brenda as she was working this Friday, which is fantastic for her. We sat and visited for hours, and when we parted, Robin said we must not let so much time pass between these gatherings. I agree, and that’s twice in two days that someone said that to me. We really must do this more often!!!